When can we get off the ship to go tour??!!

[AutumnMist]

Newbie question: We have chosen to take private tours at a couple of ports. If the itinerary puts the time of arrival at 7am and departure at 5pm, approximately what time do we request the driver to pick us up? And at what time should we be back at the ship?

 

Thank you in advance.

[EithneMay]

When the captain clears the ship, you can start getting off. I usually find this is about 30 minutes or so after you are scheduled to dock. Sometimes it can be longer, and their can be a long line to exit the ship. If you wait until an hour after scheduled docking time to schedule your pick up, you should have no problem.

[rummenroman]

You will be allowed to exit the ship around that time, give or take a few minutes either way.

 

Just remember that ship time and island time are almost never the same. Most tours on the islands will know what time you will arrive, be sure and double check with that tour to make sure. Be sure to know what the ship time is or you might be watching the ship leave without you. I always make sure I'm at the cruise terminal or very near by with 90 minutes to spare. I would rather give up a little island time that be late to the ship.

[CruisinDawn]

If it shows "docked" that speeds up how fast people get off as the flow of people getting off doesn't stop. If it shows "tender" then it will take a bit longer as small boats take about 300 people at a time to shore. They begin filling up another boat as soon as a full boat leaves but it still adds a bit of time.

 

You are to be back onboard 30 minutes prior to the time shown that they leave. We never cut it that close, why end your beautiful day in paradise stressed that the ship is going to leave without you.

 

BonVoyage

Dawna

[alicam]

If it shows "docked" that speeds up how fast people get off as the flow of people getting off doesn't stop. If it shows "tender" then it will take a bit longer as small boats take about 300 people at a time to shore. They begin filling up another boat as soon as a full boat leaves but it still adds a bit of time.

 

You are to be back onboard 30 minutes prior to the time shown that they leave. We never cut it that close, why end your beautiful day in paradise stressed that the ship is going to leave without you.

 

BonVoyage

Dawna

 

And usually the first tenders are for passengers who have ship booked excursions...not private booked excursions....they may have to wait their turn if there is tendering involved

[Rala]

Newbie question: We have chosen to take private tours at a couple of ports. If the itinerary puts the time of arrival at 7am and departure at 5pm, approximately what time do we request the driver to pick us up? And at what time should we be back at the ship?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

The operators of private tours do this all the time. They know approx. when the ship will start discharging passengers. They will probably tell you when and where to be for pick-up for your tour. Have a great time!